RVA Surveyors assists medical refrigeration specialists in saving on their business rates
Case study:
Medical Refrigeration Manufacturer and Supplier | Salford
KEY
FACTS
£18,695
SAVINGS
Warehouse
PROPERTY TYPE
The Client
Specialists in producing medical grade fridges, freezers and accessories for different healthcare sectors such as hospital wards, cosmetic clinics, dental practices and more. Our client operates from two units based in Salford, Greater Manchester, consisting of warehouses and premises.
The Problem
Originally the client came to RVA Surveyors to inspect their largest unit with a rateable value (RV) of £375,000. However, they later asked that the second, smaller unit with an RV of £158,000 also be inspected.
If a commercial ratepayer occupies two or more properties that are connected or on the same premises/site, these can be merged to create one assessment and Rateable Value. But it was during the in-person review of the properties by our surveyor that the client was found to have two separate assessments.
The Solution
Though the surveyor was collecting evidence to merge the two units into one assessment, they first inspected the units separately to ensure measurements and all factual information on both premises were correct before submitting a Check to Merge. It was during the inspection of the smaller unit that their rateable value (RV) was found to be inflated due to incorrect measurements held by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA).
The surveyor then submitted a Check for the smaller unit, which was successful, reducing the RV from £158,000 to £155,000. Now a Check to Merge could be submitted for both units, sending over relative evidence such as photographs and copies of lease documents to show proof of the client occupying both premises.
The Outcome
Prior to the reduction of the smaller unit and merge of both properties the client’s total rateable value was £533,000. After RVA Surveyors successfully reduced the RV for the smaller unit and merged assessments, our client’s RV decreased to £510,000 leading to overall savings of £18,695 dating back to the start of the 2023 rating list.
Not only were our clients’ historic and current liabilities for the 2023 rating list reduced, but RVA Surveyors also succeeded in reducing their business rates and liabilities for the 2026 revaluation.
